In connection with 69th Independence Day celebrations, the Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sukhnandan Kumar Choudhary, unfurled the National Flag at an impressive function at District Police Lines here today.The Minister took salute at the march past well decorated contingents of J&K Police, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards, NCC, Fire & Emergency Services, Army Band, Forest Protection Force and school children wearing colourful uniforms.Addressing the largely attended gathering, the Minister saluted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and said the great leaders laid down their lives fighting against British oppression and envisioned India as an independent secular and strong nation. “Real tribute to these martyrs would be to follow the path shown by them and to contribute our bit towards nation building,” Sukhnandan said.
Highlighting the importance of the day, the Minister said it marks the beginning of our country’s existence which, he said, has now emerged as a strong nation in the world. He said the towering leaders had fought for making the nation free from oppression and they ensured equality and liberty to all citizens of India including the coming generations.Reiterating the commitment for equitable development, the Minister said that the government is firm on the resolve to ensure all the three regions of the State get benefits from the developmental initiatives. He said various developmental programmes with the aim to change the socio-economic condition of the people have been launched all over the state.The Minister said with the generous financial support from the central government, the State government under the dynamic leadership of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed is working on the roadmap to make the State a model in the country.
Referring to the September 2014 devastating floods in Kashmir, the Minister said that first ever comprehensive Disaster Management Plan has been prepared based on inputs from the leading experts. He said a Project Monitoring Unit has also been created to oversee the implementation of multi-sectoral projects under the Flood Recovery and Restoration Programme.Sukhnandan said to assist in post-flood reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, the World Bank has approved a whopping amount of Rs 1500 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. He said special focus is being laid on construction of an alternate Flood Channel from Dogripora to Wullar at a cost of Rs 22000 aimed at to avoid flood threat in future. He said that a plan for Rs 400 crore for Flood Management along River Jhelum has been approved which will be implemented from next month.
The Minister sought wholehearted cooperation from the peace loving people and maintained that peace is imperative for overall development and prosperity of the State, which has witnessed a long turmoil since last 25 years.On the occasion, series of variety programmes were presented by the children of various schools depicting the centuries old brotherhood and composite cultural ethos of the State.The Minister also distributed awards and prized among the students who presented colorful cultural programmes and received applause from the audience.
MLA, Gulmarg, Mr. Mohammad Abbass Wani, MLA, Baramulla Mr. Javaid Hassan Beigh, MLA Rafiabad, Mr. Yawar Dilawar Mir, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed, DIG Police North, Mr. Garib Dass, senior officers of the district administration, school children, senior citizens, political workers, Sarpanchs, Panchs and a large number of people participated in the function.Similarly, functions were held at Sub-Divisional office Uri and Sub-Divisional office Sopore and various tehsil headquarters of the district.